“How to Plan a Budget Family Vacation”

Vacations are a fantastic way to unwind, relax and take your kids to wonderful locations around the world, teaching them about different cultures, foods and climates. However, as we all know, vacations can be very expensive, with the cost of plane tickets, travel agents, meals, days out and other activities all taking their toll on every Mom’s purse.

But don’t panic, because an affordable vacation is definitely within your reach, so here are a few ideas to help you get away on a budget:

Holiday From Home

We all know that going overseas adds a lot of extra costs to your bill, with things like taxes, currency and sightseeing all adding up quickly. So, why not avoid these issues and stay in the US this time around? There are affordable destinations right across the country, and because of the ongoing financial crisis, many travel agents are slashing prices in a bid to give more people the holiday they want.

Affordable Destinations

Some of the cheapest places to travel around are some of the biggest hitters, such as Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle and even, New York (yes, really). While the airfares may be the most expensive part of the journey, there are ample opportunities for free or low cost sightseeing activities, such as walking tours in San Francisco and boat trips to Ellis Island in New York, which are very affordable when booked in advance.

If you’re desperate to go further afield, Mexico is a good bet, with a low cost of living and some great all-inclusive family resorts on the Caribbean coast; places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen have beautiful beaches and access to waterparks and diving excursions that the kids will love.

Plan your day trips

Booking tickets to attractions online ahead of time will mean that you will save money on the cost of buying on the day. It also guarantees that you will be granted entry to the attraction, as you won’t have to queue to buy tickets, and we all know that the less queues you encounter, the happier your little kids will be!

Save Money On Accommodation

After flights, the cost of accommodation is probably the second highest cost that families of four or more will incur. While many hotels will slash their prices in an attempt to get new bookings, hostels are growing in popularity with young families, with many moms and dads opting to stay in a private room in family friendly hostel instead of a hotel. Hostels usually cost a third of the price of a hotel.

Alternatively, try looking for homestays, or home exchanges with families in other states – you can get a decent-sized property to call your own for a week or so, with reasonable rent and just the cost of food and outings to think about.

Wherever you go this year, remember that a vacation doesn’t have to cost the earth, with a few tricks and sacrifices, the travel agent you choose will help you find a vacation that suits your family and your budget perfectly.

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